MercyCast

What if the heaviness you're carrying isn't a sign that God is far away—but an invitation to discover He's closer than you think?

Life is messy. Grief doesn't always make sense. Doubt can linger. Ordinary responsibilities pile up, and sometimes we wonder where God is in the middle of it all.

But what if the holy isn't separate from the hard? What if God is meeting you right in the middle of your unanswered questions, unfinished work, and everyday struggles?

On this episode of The MercyCast, Raleigh Sadler sits down with Laura Wifler, poet, bestselling author, and co-founder of Risen Motherhood, to explore Christian faith, grief, creativity, identity in Christ, emotional honesty, and finding hope in everyday life. Laura's debut poetry collection, This Side of the Sky: 101 Poems and Scriptures for the Hungry, Hopeful, and Homesick, gives voice to the complicated places where longing, sorrow, beauty, and hope meet.

Laura knows the heart sometimes feels things the mind can't fully explain. That's part of what drew her to poetry—a form of writing that can name our deepest aches, help us feel seen, and give language to emotions we may struggle to express. In this conversation, she explains why we need art that doesn't always tie everything up neatly, but instead invites us to sit with the tension and discover meaning along the way.

This isn't a conversation about pretending life is easy. It's about learning to recognize God's presence when it isn't.

Laura and Raleigh discuss how the gospel frees us from the exhausting pressure to prove ourselves, manage our reputations, or earn approval through success. When our identity is secure in Christ, we can take creative risks, receive criticism with humility, and pursue meaningful work without making our achievements the measure of our worth.

Laura also opens up about disability, parenting, grief, and the tension of loving someone while facing an uncertain future. Some experiences are meant to be shared publicly; others deserve the privacy of trusted relationships. Wisdom means knowing the difference.

Laura offers a simple question that can reshape the way we spend our time, make decisions, care for others, and navigate difficult seasons:

“What does love require of me in this moment?”

If you've been wrestling with perfectionism, fear of failure, grief, creative insecurity, or the feeling that your life is too ordinary to matter, this conversation will remind you that God is at work right where you are.

1. Poetry can give words to what your heart already feels.

Sometimes we don't need another explanation. We need language that helps us recognize our own pain, longing, and hope. Laura explains how poetry can make us feel seen and help truth move from our heads into our hearts.

2. You can be honest about grief without giving up hope.

Christian hope doesn't require you to minimize suffering or rush through sadness. Laura discusses lament, the reality of grief, and the promise of a future when God will wipe away every tear. We can acknowledge what hurts while trusting that sorrow won't have the final word.

3. Your identity in Christ frees you from perfectionism.

You don't have to earn God's love through your accomplishments, reputation, creativity, or success. When your identity is rooted in Christ, you can take risks, make mistakes, learn from criticism, and keep moving forward without letting other people's opinions define you.

4. Faith gives you the courage to create and take risks.

Whether you're a writer, artist, parent, entrepreneur, or simply someone trying something new, meaningful work requires a willingness to be vulnerable. Laura explains why creativity is an act of stewardship—and why we can offer our work to God without controlling how everyone receives it.

5. You don't owe the internet every detail of your pain.

Vulnerability matters, but so do boundaries. Laura and Raleigh discuss the pressure to share personal struggles publicly and the importance of protecting the stories of the people we love. Before sharing, ask yourself: Am I serving others, or am I leveraging their pain?

6. Ask what love requires of you today.

You may not know what the next five years will demand of you, but you can often recognize the loving thing to do right now. Sometimes it's creating something meaningful. Sometimes it's accepting correction. And sometimes it's simply welcoming your child home, listening to a friend, or being fully present in an ordinary moment.

• Where in your life are you struggling to see God's presence?
• Are you measuring your worth by your performance, reputation, or other people's approval?
• Is there grief you need to acknowledge rather than rush past?
• What would change if you approached your work as an offering to God instead of a way to prove yourself?
• What does love require of you right now?

You don't have to solve your whole life today. You don't have to understand every hardship, prove your worth, or make every part of your story make sense.

Start with the moment in front of you.

Make space for the grief you've been avoiding. Create something without demanding perfection. Reach out to someone you trust. Notice the beauty hidden in an ordinary day. And when you're unsure what to do next, ask God for the wisdom to see what love requires right now.

Listen to the full episode of The MercyCast for an honest conversation about faith, grief, poetry, creativity, disability, and the hope of Christ in everyday life. If this episode encourages you, follow The MercyCast, like and subscribe, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that God is near in the heaviness.

Explore more conversations about faith, suffering, and learning the art of compassion through life's adversity at MercyCast.com.

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Find more conversations about learning the art of compassion through life's adversity at , and explore Laura Wifler's poetry collection, This Side of the Sky.

Life doesn't have to be polished for God to meet you in it.

You are loved.

For a deeper dive.

Learn more about Laura Wifler and her book.‍ Follow her on Instagram.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at [email protected].

What do you do when life doesn't turn out the way you hoped? When healing doesn't come, suffering continues, and God seems silent? How do you hold on to faith when you can't understand the why?

On this episode of The MercyCast, Raleigh Sadler sits down with Nadia Ibrahim Mossburg, disability advocate, ministry leader, and author of the forthcoming book Divinely Disabled, for an honest, moving conversation about disability, faith, suffering, unconditional love, grief, and hope in Jesus.

Born with cerebral palsy, Nadia spent years wondering why God had allowed her disability. As a teenager, the emotional weight became so overwhelming that she struggled with depression and nearly ended her life. But through the faithful example of a camp counselor, conversations about Scripture, and a growing relationship with Jesus, Nadia began to see her story differently.

One passage that deeply shaped her perspective was John 9, where Jesus rejects the assumption that a man's disability was caused by his sin or his parents' sin. This encounter with Scripture challenged Nadia's belief that her disability meant God was disappointed in her—and helped her discover a deeper understanding of God's character.

Nadia and Raleigh explore a powerful shift that can change how we navigate life's hardest seasons: moving from asking “Why?” to asking “Who?” We may never receive the explanations we want, but we can learn to trust who God is even when our circumstances remain painful and uncertain.

The conversation takes an especially personal turn as Raleigh shares about the recent loss of his mother, who lived with a disability for more than two decades. Reflecting on her life, he describes how suffering shaped their family, deepened his understanding of unconditional love, and taught him that love can reach people even when circumstances limit what we can do.

Together, Nadia and Raleigh discuss Christian disability advocacy, caregiving, depression, grief, marriage, sacrificial love, lament, and emotional healing. Nadia reminds us that people with disabilities are more than the inspiration their stories may provide others—and that God is working in ways we cannot always see.

Her message for anyone walking through a difficult season is simple but powerful: Don't believe the lie that today's circumstances are the end of your story. Jesus rose on the third day. The story isn't over.

1. Ask “Who?” when you can't answer “Why?”

Suffering naturally leads us to search for explanations. But we may never connect all the dots or understand why certain things happen. Nadia and Raleigh encourage listeners to turn their attention toward God's character and trust His love, goodness, and faithfulness even when answers remain elusive.

2. Disability does not diminish a person's worth or purpose.

Nadia's story challenges assumptions about disability and suffering. People with disabilities are not defined by their limitations or by how their experiences inspire others. They are whole people with relationships, gifts, struggles, faith, and purpose.

3. God can work through suffering in ways we cannot see.

Our hardships affect more than ourselves. Raleigh reflects on how his mother's experience with disability shaped his character and taught him about love. Even when we cannot see the full picture, God can use our lives and relationships to encourage, strengthen, and transform others.

4. Unconditional love is lived out in the messy moments.

Love isn't always easy or joyful. Sometimes it means showing up when you're tired, helping when you've had an argument, sacrificing for someone you love, and choosing humility when your feelings pull you in another direction. Nadia explains how caregiving and marriage have taught her that genuine love is often revealed in ordinary, difficult moments.

5. You don't have to rush through grief and difficult emotions.

Moving forward doesn't mean pretending you're okay or pushing painful feelings aside. Nadia points to the Psalms as a model for lament—bringing our questions, sadness, and struggles honestly before God. Sometimes growth comes not from escaping hardship quickly, but from allowing God to meet us in the middle of it.

6. Remember: it's still day two.

When life feels hopeless, it can seem as though your current circumstances will define your future. Nadia points listeners back to the resurrection of Jesus as the foundation of Christian hope. If you're struggling to imagine what comes next, focus on the next five minutes or the next hour. Your story isn't over, and you are not alone.

What if you stopped trying to solve every “why” and started remembering who God is?

If you're facing grief, disability, depression, caregiving challenges, or unanswered prayers, give yourself permission to be honest about what hurts. Bring your questions to God. Let yourself lament. Reach out to someone who can walk alongside you, and take the next small step in front of you.

And if someone you love is suffering, remember that you don't have to fix their circumstances to make a difference. Sometimes compassion means listening, showing up, offering practical help, and reminding them that they are loved.

Listen to the full episode of The MercyCast, and share it with someone who needs encouragement in a difficult season. Explore more conversations about faith, suffering, and learning the art of compassion through life's adversity at MercyCast.com.

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You may not know why you're walking through this. But you can hold on to who God is—and trust that your story isn't over.

You are loved.

For a deeper dive.

Learn more about Nadia and how to get her new book, Divinely Disabled. 

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at [email protected].

What if the way you handle your money reveals more about your heart than you realize?

Money is something we all deal with—but it's not something we always talk about openly. It can create stress, anxiety, conflict, and even pain in our relationships. But what if our finances could become more than a source of worry? What if they could become an opportunity for worship, generosity, compassion, and kingdom impact?

On this episode of The MercyCast, Raleigh Sadler sits down with Mike Poirier, Chief Lending Officer and Senior Vice President of Ministry Relationships at AdelFi Christian Banking, for an honest conversation about money, financial stewardship, Christian money management, generosity, budgeting, debt, and faith.

Mike shares how growing up in a home where financial strain created conflict shaped his understanding of money. Later, he discovered a radically different perspective: God owns everything, and we are called to steward what He has entrusted to us. That shift changed the way he viewed finances and became a passion he now brings into his work with others.

Together, Raleigh and Mike explore why financial stewardship is an often-overlooked part of Christian discipleship and why ignoring money doesn't make financial problems disappear. From social media comparison and “treat yourself” culture to subscriptions, credit card debt, budgeting, giving, and planning for the future, this conversation offers practical wisdom for anyone who wants to handle their finances more intentionally.

But this episode isn't simply about numbers.

Mike makes a powerful observation: “Most financial problems are not math problems; they're heart problems.”Changing how we think about money begins with changing our perspective—from "What can my money do for me?" to "How can I use what God has entrusted to me for His purposes?"

You'll also hear practical encouragement about reviewing your spending, creating a budget, seeking wise counsel, reducing financial anxiety, and making room for generosity. Sometimes financial freedom begins with simply opening your bank statements and honestly looking at where your money is going.

1. God owns it all—we are stewards.

Seeing ourselves as stewards rather than owners can fundamentally change the way we think about spending, saving, giving, and planning.

2. Financial problems aren't always math problems.

Money decisions are often connected to our hearts, desires, priorities, and attitudes. Addressing the heart can be the first step toward making healthier financial decisions.

3. Your spending reveals your priorities.

Taking an honest look at your bank statements can reveal what you actually value—not necessarily what you say you value.

4. Financial stewardship is discipleship.

Money is part of everyday life, so learning to manage it faithfully should be part of how Christians grow in wisdom and obedience.

5. Financial freedom creates opportunities to give.

When we become intentional with our resources, we can create room to care for our neighbors, support ministries, give generously, and pursue kingdom impact.

6. Don't let financial anxiety keep you frozen.

If you're overwhelmed, start by seeking wise counsel, writing down what you actually earn and spend, creating priorities, and bringing the process before God in prayer.

Look at where your money is going.

Open your bank account. Review your subscriptions. Look at your spending. Ask yourself: Does the way I'm using my money reflect what I say matters most?

Then take it one step further. Pray over your finances. Ask God for wisdom. Seek trustworthy counsel. Create a plan. And remember that financial stewardship isn't ultimately about having more—it's about faithfully managing what you've already been given.

Listen to the full episode of The MercyCast, share it with someone who is wrestling with financial stress, debt, budgeting, generosity, or money in marriage, and discover more conversations about learning the art of compassion through life's adversity at MercyCast.com.

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You can also learn more about your financial stewardship at AdelFI Christian Banking.

Whatever you're facing financially, you don't have to face it alone.

You are loved.

Listen to the full episode:

About Mike Poirier.

Learn more about Mike and AdelFi here.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at [email protected]

What if men aren't asking for less love—but for love to be communicated in a language they understand?

What does respect mean to men? Why can feeling disrespected affect a man's relationships, emotions, and willingness to be vulnerable? How can husbands and wives learn to communicate in ways that build trust, safety, healing, and deeper connection?

On this episode of The MercyCast, Raleigh Sadler sits down with Pastor Jerome Gay Jr., author of How to Speak Man: Discovering the Respect Languages Men Need, for a powerful conversation about men, marriage, respect, vulnerability, emotional health, relationships, and Christian leadership.

Jerome draws from more than 20 years of pastoral ministry—and his own experience growing up with the effects of his father's drug addiction—to explain why unresolved pain can shape the way men respond to disrespect. He challenges men to stop burying their emotions and learn how to process pain purposefully instead of destructively.

The conversation goes deeper than simply asking women to “respect men.” Jerome explains why both men and women have a role in building healthier relationships. Men need to learn how to communicate what respect looks like for them, while women can learn how to understand better and respond to those needs.

You'll also hear an honest conversation about vulnerability, masculinity, emotions, childhood wounds, marriage, parenting, forgiveness, and healing. Jerome shares why emotions aren't weakness, why men need healthy ways to process what they feel, and how learning to communicate can prevent internalized disrespect from becoming bitterness, distance, or relational breakdown.

1. Respect can be a pathway to vulnerability.

Jerome describes respect as something that can help men feel safe enough to become vulnerable and communicate honestly in their relationships.

2. Unprocessed pain doesn't simply disappear.

Past wounds can influence present relationships. Jerome encourages men to process their pain rather than allowing it to become anger, bitterness, addiction, withdrawal, or unhealthy behavior.

3. Emotions aren't weakness.

Men don't have to deny sadness, tears, or difficult emotions to be strong. Jerome argues that acknowledging emotions can bring clarity while still requiring wisdom in how you act on them.

4. Healthy relationships require communication.

Whether it's asking for space, setting boundaries, or explaining what makes you feel respected, communication can keep assumptions from turning into resentment. Jerome uses his own marriage and parenting experiences to illustrate this.

5. Your brokenness doesn't have to define you.

Jerome's message is ultimately one of hope: failures and painful experiences don't have to be the final word. They can become part of a process of healing, growth, and refinement.

What does respect look like to you?

Ask your spouse, friend, son, daughter, or someone you trust that question—and then listen. Sometimes the first step toward healing a relationship isn't solving the problem. It's finally finding the words to talk about it.

Want to go deeper? Listen to the full episode and discover more resources at MercyCast.com. Pick up Jerome Gay Jr.'s How to Speak Man and use the conversation questions to begin talking about respect, vulnerability, pain, and healing in your own relationships.

Listen. Subscribe. Share this episode with someone who needs it—and keep learning the art of compassion through life's adversity with The MercyCast. Find more episodes at MercyCast.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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You are loved.

About Jerome Gay, Jr.

Learn about Jerome and Vision Church. Buy his newest book!

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

What if the words you’re most afraid to say are the very words that could bring freedom, healing, and deeper relationships?

On this episode of The MercyCast, Raleigh Sadler sits down with longtime friend Erick Sorensen, reverend and Director of Church Partnerships for 1517, to explore the transformative power of two simple words: “I’m sorry.”

Why can an apology feel so vulnerable? What happens when we take responsibility without making excuses, blaming others, or demanding forgiveness in return? Raleigh and Erick discuss vulnerability, confession, forgiveness, reconciliation, Christian community, trust, and spiritual growth, showing how a genuine apology can change not only our relationships but also our posture before God.

Erick explains why Christians have an opportunity to model something countercultural: being willing to admit when we've messed up. True apology means relinquishing control, owning our part, and trusting God with the outcome. It doesn't guarantee someone will forgive us or that a relationship will be restored—but it can bring freedom by letting us carry less of the weight we've been holding.

The conversation also explores how confession and forgiveness build trust, why healthy community requires vulnerability, and how regularly practicing repentance can reshape the way we live with God and others. As Erick puts it, we are free enough to say, “I’m sorry.”

1. A real apology takes vulnerability.

Saying “I’m sorry” means taking off the armor, owning your actions, and letting go of the need to control how the other person responds.

2. Skip the non-apology.

“I’m sorry you were hurt” isn't the same as “I’m sorry I did this.” Genuine confession identifies what we did and takes responsibility for our part.

3. You can’t control the response.

An apology doesn't guarantee forgiveness, reconciliation, or the outcome you want. It means you've done your part and placed the rest in someone else's hands.

4. Vulnerability builds trust and community.

Real community isn't about avoiding conflict. It's about having the humility to acknowledge when we've hurt someone and being willing to repair what we can.

5. Grace makes honesty possible.

Christian confession begins with the recognition that we are imperfect and that our identity is ultimately rooted in God's forgiveness through Jesus—not in appearing perfect before others.

Is there someone you need to apologize to? Don't wait for the perfect moment or the perfect words. Own your specific part, say “I’m sorry,” and release the outcome.

Then listen, Like, Follow, and Subscribe to The MercyCast, and share this episode with someone who could use a reminder that vulnerability, confession, forgiveness, and grace can lead to healthier relationships and deeper community. Find more episodes at MercyCast.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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You don't have to have it all together. And that's okay. You are loved.

About Erick Sorensen

Learn about Erick, his ministry and his podcasts.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

What if grief doesn’t get smaller—but you can learn to carry it while still finding hope, joy, and God’s goodness?

On this episode of The MercyCast, Raleigh Sadler sits down with author Johanna Rojas Vann to talk honestly about grief, miscarriage, suffering, faith, friendship, and hope. Johanna shares the deeply personal story behind her novel Where Wilted Flowers Bloom—a story she wrote about a mother experiencing loss before unexpectedly experiencing miscarriage herself just seven days after completing the book.

Together, Raleigh and Johanna explore what it means to grieve without pretending everything is okay, trust God when life doesn’t make sense, and discover joy in the middle of sorrow.

Johanna shares how her faith helped her reject the pressure to believe that if we simply do everything “right,” suffering can be avoided. Instead, she learned to surrender the illusion of control and trust God with the results.

This conversation also explores Christian grief, miscarriage recovery, unanswered prayer, emotional healing, spiritual growth, and the discipline of looking for God’s goodness in everyday life. Sometimes hope doesn't mean the pain disappears. Sometimes hope means learning to worship, love, laugh, and live fully—even while carrying grief.

Key Takeaways

• Grief and joy can coexist. You don't have to choose between acknowledging sorrow and experiencing gratitude.
• We don't have control over every outcome. Releasing that pressure can create space for deeper trust in God.
• It's okay to grieve. Continuing to feel sadness doesn't mean you've lost your faith or hope.
• Look for God's goodness. Seeing everyday gifts can become a spiritual discipline, even in seasons of suffering.
• Faith doesn't promise an easy life. Christians can experience loss, brokenness, and unanswered questions while still trusting God.
• Stories can help us carry pain. Johanna's novel became a source of encouragement for others—and unexpectedly became part of her own journey through grief.
• Hope doesn't require a perfect ending. Healing and hope can exist even when circumstances remain painful.

3 Ways to Take the Next Step

1. Look for One Good Thing

Today, ask God to help you notice one small gift or glimpse of goodness in the middle of whatever you're carrying.

2. Read Where Wilted Flowers Bloom

If this conversation resonated with you, explore Johanna Vann's novel and its honest portrayal of grief, friendship, faith, loss, and hope.

3. Follow The MercyCast

Follow @MercyCastPod on social media and join the conversation as we continue learning the art of compassion through life's adversity.

Remember: You don't have to deny your pain to experience hope. You can grieve, worship, laugh, love, and look for God's goodness—all at the same time.

And no matter what you're carrying this week, you are loved.

Listen, like, subscribe, and share The MercyCast with someone who could use encouragement in their marriage, faith, or prayer life. Find more episodes at MercyCast.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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About Johanna Rojas Vann

Learn more about Christy Award winning author, Johanna Rojas Vann. Buy Where Wilted Flowers Bloom.

You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at [email protected].

What if one of the simplest ways to strengthen your marriage is also one of the easiest to overlook?

Prayer is more than a conversation about God—it’s an invitation to talk with God. On this episode of The MercyCast, Raleigh Sadler welcomes back Genee Francis, Assistant Director for Content and Programming at Winshape Marriage, to explore the power of praying together as a couple.

Genee shares how developing a daily rhythm of prayer with her husband helped them understand each other’s deepest thoughts, fears, hopes, and concerns. Together, Raleigh and Genee unpack why couples can struggle to pray together, how vulnerability and boundaries play a role, and why learning to rely on God can transform the way we communicate and connect.

From personal prayer time to praying as a couple, this conversation offers a practical reminder: you don’t have to be perfect at prayer—you just have to begin.

Key Takeaways

• Prayer deepens intimacy. Praying together can strengthen emotional and spiritual connection between spouses.
• Start small. You don’t need an hour-long prayer session. Genee encourages couples to begin with just seven minutes of prayer and devotion together.
• Practice makes prayer easier. Like any habit, praying with others becomes more natural as you do it consistently.
• Personal and shared prayer both matter. Couples can maintain individual time with God while also creating intentional time to pray together.
• Healthy boundaries are important. Marriage doesn’t eliminate the need for a personal relationship with God.
• Prayer changes your posture. Instead of trying to control or solve everything ourselves, prayer teaches us to trust and rely on God.
• God belongs at the center. Like a three-stranded cord, a marriage strengthened by husband, wife, and God can withstand adversity.
• Just try it. You don’t have to know the perfect words. Start the conversation and bring your real life to God.

Take the next step: If you’re married, set aside seven minutes today to pray with your spouse. And if praying together feels uncomfortable, remember: you don’t have to be good at it to begin. Remember, You are loved.

Listen, like, subscribe, and share The MercyCast with someone who could use encouragement in their marriage, faith, or prayer life. Find more episodes at MercyCast.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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What if the content your kids consume could do more than entertain them—it could help shape who they become?

On this episode of The MercyCast, Raleigh Sadler sits down with Christian storyteller Debbie A. Thomas, creator of King Kenny, to explore faith-based children’s content, parenting, creativity, and the power of telling stories that point kids toward faith and positive values.

Debbie shares how a simple, God-given idea grew into books, songs, videos, characters, and live experiences that reach children through schools, churches, healthcare institutions, and youth organizations. Her story also reminds us that meaningful work often starts small—with an idea, a willingness to step out in faith, and a community willing to help bring the vision to life.

Key Takeaways

• Kids need content that entertains and builds character. Wholesome stories and songs can help children learn faith, responsibility, confidence, and positive values.
• Start with what God has placed in your hands. Debbie’s journey shows how one simple idea can grow when you’re willing to take the next step.
• Authenticity matters. Creating for people—not simply for algorithms—can lead to deeper and more meaningful connections.
• You don’t have to do it alone. Debbie emphasizes the “whole village” of family and friends who helped bring King Kenny to life.
• Your gifts have a purpose. Everyone has a story, testimony, or ability that can encourage and impact others.

Take the next step: Share this episode with a parent, grandparent, teacher, or ministry leader looking for better content for kids. Then subscribe to The MercyCast for more conversations about faith, purpose, compassion, and living out your God-given calling.

You are loved.

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About Debbie A. Thomas

Follow Ms. Debbie on Instagram. Watch songs with Ms. Debbie and King Kenny on YOUTUBE,

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at [email protected].

What if the goal isn’t to escape suffering, but to learn how to walk through it with God?

On this episode of The MercyCast, Raleigh Sadler welcomes back Karis Meier, author of Suffering Redeemed, for an honest conversation about chronic illness, unanswered prayer, faith, and finding purpose when the pain doesn’t go away.

Karis shares how years of illness, medical challenges, and uncertainty have reshaped her understanding of God’s goodness. Together, Raleigh and Karis explore why suffering doesn't always have an easy explanation—and how faith can help us hold joy and suffering at the same time.

In This Episode

• Finding faith when suffering continues
• What to do when prayers seem unanswered
• Why suffering isn't necessarily a sign of weak faith
• Learning to trust God when you can't control the outcome
• The importance of daily dependence on God
• How worship can transform our perspective in dark moments
• Why we need Christian community when life gets hard
• How suffering can equip us to comfort others
• Choosing vulnerability instead of suffering alone

A Powerful Reminder

You don't have to understand your suffering to trust God in the middle of it.

Karis shares how her relationship with Jesus became a foundation long before chronic illness entered her life—and how that foundation continues to sustain her one day at a time.

Don't Walk Alone

Suffering can make us want to isolate, but we're not meant to carry it alone. Karis encourages listeners to invite trusted people in, ask for prayer, and allow the body of Christ to offer encouragement and support.

If you're walking through suffering—or know someone who is—share this episode with them. Then subscribe to The MercyCast and join us for more conversations about faith, compassion, and finding hope amid life's adversity.

You are loved.

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About Karis Meier

Karis is back to give a part two to our conversation on redeeming suffering. You can connect with Karis on Facebook,Instagram, and her website. Also, if you haven’t read her book, Suffering Redeemed, you can find it here.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at [email protected].

What if the hardest thing you're carrying could teach you how to carry someone else?

On this episode of The MercyCast, Raleigh Sadler sits down with pastor and author Tomy Cummins to talk honestly about trauma, mental health, emotional health, suffering, and what it means to care like Christ when someone is hurting.

Tomy shares his deeply personal journey of confronting childhood trauma, seeking healing, and learning how his own suffering equipped him to shepherd others better. Together, Raleigh and Tomy explore how the Church can create safer spaces for difficult conversations—and why we don't need perfect words to show up for someone in pain.

In This Episode

• Breaking the silence around mental health and emotional health
• Tomy's journey through childhood trauma and healing
• How to become a safe person for someone who is suffering
• Setting healthy boundaries while caring for others
• The difference between carrying someone's burden and carrying it for them
• Compassion fatigue and secondary trauma
• Why shepherds need shepherding, too
• Practical ways to respond when someone shares something difficult
• How the Church can create greater psychological safety

A Powerful Reminder

You don't have to fix someone's pain to love them well.

Sometimes the most Christlike thing you can do is sit with someone, listen, and remind them they're not alone.

Tomy also offers a practical challenge: practice how you'll respond before you're in a crisis. Learn to listen. Check your face. Know your boundaries. Build your own support system. And don't be afraid to point someone toward professional help when the weight is beyond what you can carry.

Take the Next Step

Who in your life might need someone to sit with them in the midst of a difficult season?

Share this episode with a pastor, parent, friend, ministry leader, or anyone who wants to learn how to care for people experiencing mental health struggles and emotional pain.

Subscribe to The MercyCast and help create a Church where people can bring their suffering into the light—and meet the hands and feet of Jesus.

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Tomy Cummins is a longtime student pastor and author of Shepherds of the Mind: Caring Like Christ in an Age of Silent Suffering. See what people are saying about it! His work focuses on helping Christians respond to mental and emotional health challenges with biblical truth, compassion, wisdom, and hope. Follow on Instagram.

You can follow Raleigh on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We want to hear from you!

Email us at [email protected].

Remember, You are loved.